I am Claudia A. Vera-Arias, Ph.D., a scientist with doctoral training and international experience in infectious disease research. After completing my Ph.D. and a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Notre Dame, I have developed molecular diagnostic methodologies adopted in endemic settings and contributed to improving the accuracy of clinical tests used in public health. I currently lead national epidemiological surveillance at INSPI, directing reference laboratories and ensuring the generation of critical data for public health decision-making.
Professional Achievements
I have been engaged in infectious disease research, particularly malaria, since my undergraduate studies in Ecuador. During that time, I characterized local Plasmodium falciparum populations, producing the first report on the genetic structure of P. falciparum in the region. Additionally, I identified P. falciparum parasites with hrp2 gene deletions, which cause false negatives in rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for malaria.
During my Ph.D., I continued studying hrp2 deletions, examining their prevalence and evolution across various malaria-endemic countries. This work has resulted in multiple publications as both first and co-author. I also developed, validated and helped to implement a digital PCR (dPCR) protocol for detecting hrp2/hrp3 deletions, which has been successfully implemented in countries such as Ethiopia, Thailand, and many others. In addition, I have trained personnel and students from Ethiopia and other regions in molecular diagnostic techniques.
After earning my Ph.D., I conducted postdoctoral research in Dr. Pilar Pérez-Romero’s lab at the University of Notre Dame, where I focused on identifying monoclonal antibodies against cytomegalovirus (CMV) from patient samples. These antibodies are being evaluated for their potential as preventive or therapeutic agents.
I am currently working as Technical Director of the Epidemiological Surveillance and National Reference Laboratories at the National Institute of Public Health Research. In addition, I work as an independent researcher, continuing to pursue scientific projects in infectious diseases while exploring new collaborative opportunities. With extensive experience in molecular epidemiology, diagnostic development, and translational immunology, I bring a resourceful and adaptable approach to research. I am open to expanding my expertise beyond my current areas of focus and am well-prepared to design and lead rigorous scientific studies.
Please feel free to reach out if you’d like more information or have any questions about my background. I'm based in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
Education
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I completed my undergraduate training in Ecuador, where I began my research trajectory in infectious diseases, particularly malaria, developing an early scientific focus on the genetic analysis of pathogens.
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I earned my Ph.D. with a focus on molecular epidemiology and infectious diseases, deepening my expertise in the study of genetic variations relevant to disease diagnosis and control in endemic settings.
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I conducted a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Notre Dame (USA), where I expanded my training into translational immunology, specifically in the development and evaluation of monoclonal antibodies with potential clinical applications.
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My training and experience are grounded in molecular epidemiology, diagnostic development, infectious diseases (including malaria), translational immunology, and epidemiological surveillance, integrating scientific research with real-world public health applications.
01 media
02 publications
Mutala, AH., Opoku Afriyie, S., Kwame Addison, T., Baako Antwi, K., Troth, EV., Vera-Arias, CA., et al. (2025). The burden and diagnostic challenges of subclinical Plasmodium falciparum infections in Southern Ghana. BMC Infect Dis.
04 contact
If you would like more information or have any questions about my background, please feel free to contact me.
